-hermes-

Yeah, apparently one of the schools I've applied to sends out interview invites as early as MID to late December! So I'll likely know by the end of this year whether I have a chance of progressing to the next round or not. Crazy! Now that I've submitted three apps, I'm already feeling impatient for decisions... no idea how I'm going to last the wait.

Three done, two to go!! Whew. So glad we have a bit of a break before the next set of deadlines.

Same! I was staunchly qual for years, but I switched to a quant methodology for my master's thesis and really enjoyed it.

Waiting to leave work and go home to finish up and submit my third app.... Any quantitative/mixed methods folk here?

My last LOR writer missed one of the deadlines by six hours, but luckily the school has said they're flexible. Do you guys know if your LOR writers are personalizing their letters for each school, or for at least your top choices? I wonder how much of an advantage this is.

It seems like you've prepared well for all the factors within your control, like being knowledgeable about the program and faculty. Just don't recite it as though you've memorized it when it comes up. And for the spring versus fall question, I'd probably give a reason why I didn't accept those offers -- eg no funding, and so you had to try again for spring.

Actually, it's quite common to be asked this during an F1 interview in certain countries. It came up in my interview, and I named schools I had considered -- four in the US and one in Canada. If anything, I'd say your Canadian application reduces any "suspicion" and improve your chances of getting a US student visa. It suggests that you're genuinely interested in finding a good research fit, not moving to the US (and potentially immigrating/overstaying your visa).

I've started second guessing and rephrasing bits of my SOP so much that I think any more work on it will end up being detrimental rather than improving it. Just need to learn to let go!! I doubt my last LOR writer will submit it today, but luckily the program admin said they expect some letters to be late given the Thanksgiving break and that it's fine if those reach a little late. I'm going to see him in person tomorrow

Yes, two. I just put "Statement of Purpose" as the title. And I highly doubt the time you submit your application has any bearing on your acceptance, as long as everything's in on time. On that note, I'm STILL waiting for my main LOR writer to submit his letter. Today.

Me too! I'm choosing not to mention them. It's awkward and a little horrible either way.

I wish I'd gone this route, actually. At least this way you know you'll have choices!

Got back home after thanksgiving dinner and this statement finally seems to be coming together. Should've tried a glass of wine earlier in the process!

I agree! Limits for mine are either 10 or 20. Note that they usually don't indicate whether it's single or double spaced either. I'm going with double spaced to be safe, but it's just unnecessarily adding even more uncertainty into an already opaque process.

Yeah, the MA thesis seems like a natural choice for a writing sample. For this application, the limit for the optional sample is 10 pages though -- too short for something that reflects the thesis as a whole, and too long for just a section. :/ Anyone else having this quandary?

Do any of your applications list an optional writing sample? I have three applications due on Dec 1, and I'm wondering whether to skip honing a writing sample if it's optional. I'd rather spend time working on my statements....

Yikes. Anyone else still working on their statement? I'm having a tough time determining whether I'm being too broad or too specific in my focus.

This makes me feel better -- I'm in the same boat! Somehow it'll all get done, or at least that's what I'm telling myself...

100% -- 1 for 1. Definitely stressful but it was my top choice -- so glad my gamble paid off!

I haven't done this, but I've definitely heard of people getting 'professional' editors to go over their statements, which to my understanding, actually means getting them written/rewritten to a large degree. Personally, I'd recommend against it if you have a friend/family member/professor who could read it over for you instead. If English isn't your first language, a native speaker can catch any mistakes you might have made. It's also useful if the person reading through your statement knows you personally, because they'll be more likely to spot if you've unintentionally said something that means something else instead (i.e. they'll be better equipped to read for content than a stranger would). If the 'professional service' includes getting your statement redone in any shape or form, I believe it's unethical to consult with them. Ethics aside, universities are looking for your own personal voice and story, which can be lost through a stranger's extensive edits/input.

Thanks for the input! I'm an international student, and ideally it'd be nice to have accommodation figured out before I get there, especially a grad student environment like I-House, instead of figuring out both accommodation and the city in a couple of weeks. But yeah, it seems like there isn't even a direct subway line from I-House to NYU. Apartment hunting insanity it is, then!

I'm actually not Canadian either, haha. Honourary Torontonian? I love the city.

Are most of the residents at I-House studying at Columbia? NYU seems like quite a trek out from there. I was thinking of applying for apartment-style accommodation. A guy I know had nothing but praise for I-House, but most of the reviews I've read of the place all mention a deplorable lack of hygiene, so I'm not sure what to think :/

Oh nice! I'm from U of T, how about you?

Is anyone else new to NYC too? Excited!!

According to NYU, they take about 2/3 weeks to process an i-20. But they don't start until one submits proof of finances etc.